U.S. report quantifies risk of listeria in deli foods

Some simple
safety techniques for food handling and preparation could help delicatessens
and other food stores cut the risk of customers developing the potentially
deadly foodborne illness called listeriosis.

The report by
the Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration recommended
strict control of temperature during refrigeration, better cleaning and
sanitizing of food contact surfaces, and wearing gloves while serving
customers.

The report
analyzed the risk of illness associated with listeria monocytogenes, or L.
monocytogenes pathogen, from food prepared and sold in delicatessens and other
retail food stores.

L. monocytogenes
is a pathogen that has long been of concern to public health officials. Though
relatively rare compared with other major foodborne illnesses, listeriosis has
a fatality rate of about 16 percent, compared with just 0.5 percent for
Salmonella or Escherichia coli.

Investigators
simulated the retail deli environment and evaluated how certain sanitary and
food handling practices could influence the risk of developing listeriosis from
ready-to-eat foods that are sliced, prepared or packaged in retail grocery
delis.

They found
that employing basic practices that prevent growth of the bacteria dramatically
reduced the predicted risk of listeriosis.

Some of the
main sources of L. monocytogenes are the slicer for deli meats and cheeses and
salad utensils for the deli salads. These can lead to cross-contamination of
other foods. The report stated that controlling cross-contamination at these
points reduced the predicted risk of listeriosis.

All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.

All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.